The topic of the Upper School (US) Assembly on Thursday, Oct. 23, was “Meaningful Service at D-E.” Ms. Debbie Rivera Murphy ’11, Dean of Student Life, began the program by asking students to reflect on a quote by Euphemia Creighton, founding Co-Principal of the Dwight School, from the 1880s:
“Be sure to rule your work and do not let it rule you, even though you love it and must do it well. Do not let it cramp you, and rise above the routine. Keep your interest in the world at large, enjoy life, enter into many of the interests. Be a real whole-souled citizen.”
Ms. Murphy said our current students at D-E should strive to embody this ethos—all in the spirit of meeting the challenge to “Make it Better.” She emphasized the importance of engaging in service work, not only to “check off the box” to reach the 40 hours of community service required to graduate, but to provide students with a “sense of purpose, a sense of belonging that stays with you long after you graduate.”
She introduced the subsequent speakers, starting with Mr. David Sarfati, US Psychologist and Human Development Department Teacher, who described how community service is scientifically proven to fuel personal growth and self-esteem, and helps us build stronger relationships with others.
Next, Ms. Lynne Algrant P’17,’21, wife of former US Principal Joseph Algrant, spoke about service from the receiving end of volunteerism. Ms. Algrant is the Chief Resource & Development Officer at Greater Bergen Community Action (a not-for-profit that serves low-income residents and underserved neighborhoods).
Ms. Algrant recounted a moving story about a seventh grader with a troubled home life that she took under her wings when she was a young teacher. In time, she realized the girl, who went on to graduate from college, had taught her some life lessons as well. “Sometimes issues choose us,” remarked Ms. Algrant.
It’s also important to understand that volunteers are often seeing the people they serve on their worst day, said Ms. Algrant, so you must “show up with compassion, respect, and support… you’re there to be a bridge when our systems fail… and when we give [back], we receive it.”
We then heard from several US students, who detailed how community service impacted them. Gavin Park ’28, a member of Jazz Rock, created “High School Jukebox” as a way to engage with the senior citizens he worked with as part of his acts of service. He recalled that one older woman, in particular, didn’t remember his name until he connected with her through music. “Sometimes a melody can spark a memory,” Gavin noted.
Daniela Hochstadt ’28 described how over the summer she taught technology skills to senior citizens, such as guiding them through using an iPhone app to control their hearing aids. She also coached them in troubleshooting, so they would be empowered to find a solution on their own via YouTube or ChatGPT. Daniela said she enjoyed the experience so much that she plans to do it again next summer. She said, “I consider them friends.”
During her summer break, Allie Albrecht ’27 took a service trip to the Dominican Republic, where she and her group helped to build an aqueduct for a village dealing with water insecurity and formed lasting relationships with the local people. “We immersed ourselves in the culture, which was foreign to us,” Allie said.
Logan Passe ’28 rounded out the student reflections by spotlighting the work of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), a group he has been a part of since he was 8 years old. “I love giving back to the organization that helped me,” he said.
Ms. Murphy concluded the assembly by reminding students of the resources available to them for learning more about enriching experiences such as these, including the Activities website (D-E log-in required) and the Office of Student Life’s monthly service newsletters.
